There are a lot of popular authors on today’s romance scene, but Ali Hazelwood is probably the only one with a PhD in neuroscience. The Italian-born novelist-professor scored a massive hit with her debut, The Love Hypothesis, in 2021. This breakthrough novel and other Hazelwood works forefront women in STEM careers, placing romance tropes like “enemies-to-lovers” and “fake dating” into labs and other academic environments. 

Like other bestselling romance writers of the 2020s, the romance communities on #booktok and #bookstagram played a major role in sending Hazelwood to the top of the bestseller list. Her fans love the humor she brings to her characters and plots, and find that her books scratch that romcom itch in a truly satisfying way.

While the romance-meets-STEM formula is Hazelwood’s calling card, she’s also branched into other forms of romance with books like the YA romance, Check & Mate, as well as the paranormal romance, Bride.  

What’s the best Ali Hazelwood book to read first? 

The best Hazelwood book to read first remains The Love Hypothesis, which readers adore for its fun, lighthearted tone, relatable characters, and emphasis on women in STEM. If you enjoy this essential Hazelwood read, you’ll likely be eager to chew through the rest of her books like a lab rat chewing through a well-earned hunk of cheese. If you’re not a fan of steamier romance scenes, consider Check & Mate, which is written for more of a young adult audience. 

Ali Hazelwood books in order

1. The Love Hypothesis (2021)—Hazelwood’s breakthrough follows PhD candidate Olive Smith and her unlikely romance with Dr. Adam Carlsen, a grumpy and respected professor.
2. Love on the Brain (2022)—This novel centers on neuroscientist Bee Königswasser as she navigates a challenging professional collaboration with Levi Ward, a former nemesis.
3. Love, Theoretically (2023)—Elsie Hannaway balances her life as an adjunct STEM professor and part time “fake girlfriend” while trying to best her rivals to achieve her academic dreams. 
4. Check & Mate (2023)—This YA romance sees protagonist Mallory Greenleaf reenter the competitive chess scene and facing off with reigning champion Nolan Sawyer.
5. Loathe to Love You (2023)— this collection contains three novellas, Under One Roof, Stuck with You, and Below Zero. 
6. Bride (2024)—Hazelwood’s first foray into paranormal romance follows the forbidden love between a vampyre bride and werewolf. 
7. Not in Love (2024)—Not in Love takes a somewhat darker tone than other Hazelwood romances with a story of passion set against a hostile business rivalry. 

Are Ali Hazelwood books spicy?

Most (but not all) of Hazelwood’s books include some steamier adult content, those scenes tend to be supplemental and occasional and not the main focus of the story. Readers have described her books as having “just the right level of spice” to offer a satisfying payoff to the character development and plot.